Search

What's In the New Lithium Battery Test Summary Document?

Posted on 7/22/2019 by Roger Marks

Starting January 1, 2020, manufacturers and distributors of lithium cells and batteries (and equipment powered by lithium cells or batteries) must make available a lithium battery testing summary that provides critical safety information about their batteries to downstream shippers and consumers.

The test summary requirement applies to lithium batteries and cells manufactured after June 30, 2003, and equipment powered by those cells and batteries.

As lithium battery regulations have become more complex, shippers need more information about the batteries they ship in order to maintain compliance. The testing summary requirement will also help lithium battery shippers gain confidence that the batteries they offer for transport have been manufactured and tested properly.

Manufacturers and distributors may make the test summary available by posting it on a company website or by preparing a paper document.

Lion offers convenient, effective training for employees who prepare lithium batteries for transport by ground, air, or vessel. Check out the Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course now.  

What’s Required in the Lithium Battery Test Summary?

The text of the new requirement can be found in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria, Amendment 1, Part III, sub-section 38.3, paragraph 38.3.5 and includes a list of specific information that must be included on the test summary document.

The information required in the lithium battery test summary document was included in IATA’s updated 2019 Lithium Battery Guidance Document, Revision 1, and is pictured below.



The UN Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods has provided examples of test summary documents prepared by members of the Rechargeable Battery Association (PRBA).  

Lastly, the new lithium battery test summary requirement is part of the forthcoming 49 CFR harmonization rulemaking HM 215-O.

Training to Ship Lithium Batteries Big or Small 

Need hazmat training to safely ship lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? Lion’s popular Shipping Lithium Batteries Online Course is updated regularly to cover the latest regulations you must know under 49 CFR, the IATA DGR, and the IMDG Code. 

New! Ship excepted lithium batteries by ground, air, or vessel? We’ve got a course just for you! The new Shipping Excepted Lithium Batteries Online Course will help you identify the requirements you must know, without getting bogged down or confused by rules for fully regulated lithium batteries.

Tags: hazmat shipping, lithium batteries, lithium battery test summary, new rules, shipping lithium batteries

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Excellent course. Very interactive. Explanations are great whether you get the questions wrong or right.

Gregory Thompson

Environmental, Health & Safety Regional Manager

Much better than my previous class with another company. The Lion instructor made sense, kept me awake and made me laugh!

Marti Severs

Enterprise Safety Manager

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

I really enjoy your workshops. Thank you for such a great program and all the help Lion has provided me over the years!

George Chatman

Hazardous Material Pharmacy Technician

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The instructor was great, explaining complex topics in terms that were easily understandable and answering questions clearly and thoroughly.

Brittany Holm

Lab Supervisor

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.